<p>Hi,</p>
<p>To UMich Econ majors, what kind of calculus math is involved in econ? Like derivatives, integrals, area under the curve, etc.?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Basically just derivatives. All you really need for an Econ major is Calc I. However, if you wish to take a more quantitative route in your Econ major, you should take at least Calc II. Calc III would be helpful too, for learning partial derivatives, but it is not at all necessary. You can pick up partial derivatives fairly quickly, without having to go through the grind of the rest of the multi-dimensional calculus course. If you want to take the most advanced route (that is taking Stats 426, Theoretical Stats, as your statistics requirement) you will need both Calc III and Stats 425 (Probability). If you are thinking about Grad School, you should also probably take Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Real Analysis.</p>
<p>The further you go in Economics, the more quantitative it becomes. A PhD in Economics is basically a degree in Applied Mathematics. So to most Econ undergrads, Calc I and Basic Statistics are all that is required. However, Calc II comes in handy, as does further Stats. If one wishes to go into graduate level Econ, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are also a must.</p>
<p>What degree does UMich award to economics major? Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts?</p>
<p>Both, depending on what track you chose to follow.</p>
<p>To receive a BS in any major, you simply need to take 60 credits of courses with a ‘BS’ designation. Most math and science courses have a ‘BS’ designation, and some economics courses do too, among others.</p>
<p>thx. so which looks better to grad schools and consulting firms? BA or BS?</p>
<p>Grad school for MBA*</p>
<p>both are more or less the same in that situation. bs probably looks better if you want to get a graduate degree in economics, though</p>
<p>“thx. so which looks better to grad schools and consulting firms? BA or BS?”</p>
<p>Why even care? One should major in a manner andsubject that they enjoy. Obviously, if you wish to go for a PhD in Economics, you will probably have to get a BS in Economics because at the graduate level, Economics is basically applied Mathematics. But otherwise, nobody will even ask you (or notice for that matter) whether you got a BA or a BS.</p>
<p>Yea, it depends what you like. If math is your thing, you can couple your econ degree with a lot of math courses, and if you can get it up to 60 credits of BS courses, then go for the BS. If math isn’t your thing, you can go for the BA. It won’t matter for business school, but if you were thinking about Econ Grad School, then you definitely would want to take enough math that would put you at the BS level.</p>
<p>I was thinking of doing econ as a minor…Would I still need to take a lot of advanced math courses? :S</p>
<p>Econ majors and minors can get away with just Calculus I and intro to Statistics.</p>
<p>Keep in mind: if you have enough to complete the minor, you can get a major in just 3 more classes.</p>
<p>In either situation, you are not REQUIRED to take advanced math for neither a major nor a minor. It’s up to you and your love (or lack of love) for math.</p>